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Study of Risk Factors of Academic Underperformance in Rural School Children in a Coastal District of Odisha

Nayak R, Mohanty N, Beriha S and Mohapatra S

Aim: A scientific and systematic research was made to find the incidence and etiology of academic underperformance focusing on student, teacher, parent and other social factors and its impact on children. Material and Method: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out in three schools of some parts of rural areas of Odisha with 125 students of class VIII with less than 35% aggregate marks. Parents, Class teachers and Head of the schools were interviewed through questionnaires and interview schedules. Results: All the students belong to age group of 12-16 years. The ratio of males (85) to females (40) is 2.1:1. Parental illiteracy and no contribution in academics in 88% of the students is one of the important factors in their underperformance. 41.2% of the fathers are alcoholic and 7.2% students face domestic violence. Other causes of academic underperformance are attendance <40% in 44%, visual acuity <6/18 in 8.8%, acute illness (12%), dental caries (28%), worm infestation (21.6%) and other chronic ailments (9.6%). 72% of the students had previous history of academic underperformance. 8.8% of them had history of suicidal and depressive thoughts. Conclusion: Social and family factors have influence on the academic functioning of children. A wholesome approach including finding the etiology and counseling for the students, teachers and parents individually can give a proper direction towards solution for repeated underperformance.